Is sterling silver used to plate items?

[beez0404]

This evening I found a cross that came out of the hole with a nice silver shine to it. I located a stamp on the back that says .925 and before that what appear to be two letters. However, even under magnification neither my wife or I could clearly tell what the letters are with any certainty. Our best guess is yp or tp. So I am wondering if the cross is plated with sterling silver? I know this is the place for accurate answers. Thanks in advance for your knowledge and willingness to share.

Here are a couple photos with the second one showing the mark on the back side.

 

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[DigginDownUnder]

I'm not sure, but I have found a few silver plated items that had the letters EP (electro plate I believe)

 

[Diggin-N-Dumps]

I dont think its plated, I have a ring that has TP-925 Mex on it..I think its a makers mark. I know my ring is for sure silver

 

[jerseyben]

This evening I found a cross that came out of the hole with a nice silver shine to it. I located a stamp on the back that says .925 and before that what appear to be two letters. However, even under magnification neither my wife or I could clearly tell what the letters are with any certainty. Our best guess is yp or tp. So I am wondering if the cross is plated with sterling silver? I know this is the place for accurate answers. Thanks in advance for your knowledge and willingness to share.

Not exactly sure what you are asking here...

I think what you are trying to determine is whether or not the cross you found is plated or solid sterling silver?

 

[beez0404]

Not exactly sure what you are asking here...

I think what you are trying to determine is whether or not the cross you found is plated or solid sterling silver?

Yes, Ben, that is exactly what I am trying to determine. I am for the most part a coin hunter and am out of my element with jewelry as I find there are so many various ways they can be marked. I'm hoping now that I've been able to add a couple photos someone might recognize the mark on the back and be able to point me in the right direction. Either toss it in the junk jewelry box or add it to the stuff I'm collecting for a display case.

 

[xr7ator]

Add it to the stuff you're collecting for display.

It's marked 925.
If it were plate, you'd see the base metal below the silver plate on the corners from wear.

Sweet cross! HH ALL